Ever wonder what New York City looks like as the sun rises through the buildings? I've seen it. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
Let's start at the beginning.
Dave and I arrived in New York via United Airlines on Friday August 1st, just in time for lunch. After taking a cab to Manhattan, we discovered the 26 story building that was to be our home for the next few days nestled into the corner of a busy New York street in the Upper East Side that was littered with cafes, bars and restaurants and only a few blocks over from Central Park.
We were greeted by our fabulous "Austin Powers" style host called Robert (in the picture with me), who owned the apartment we were staying in, and after showing us our room (decorated with barn year animal prints and wallpaper?) we were treated to a gorgeous view of the city from the building's rooftop.
Robert then proceeded to guide us to the nearest restaurant, one of his favourites, called Tiramasu, which was as authentically Italian as they come. Located right around the corner from the apartment building, we were tucked into the corner of the restaurant where we enjoyed pasta and wine while taking in the hustle, bustle of the NY Summer scenes before us. Did I mention how hideously humid it was?
Refreshed from lunch, Dave and I parted ways with Robert to go and explore the city. Taking the subway all the way down to the Financial District on the water's edge, I felt very much the fish out of water, and loving every second of it. The park at the end of the subway line (that sits on the water) was bursting with activity. Dozens of street vendors crammed along the footpaths selling paintings, water, hot dogs, hats, souveniers, and other wonderous keepsakes. We were tempted to get our portraits done by the street artists, but being the ultimate tourists, we opted for a ferry ride to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty.
Let's start at the beginning.
Dave and I arrived in New York via United Airlines on Friday August 1st, just in time for lunch. After taking a cab to Manhattan, we discovered the 26 story building that was to be our home for the next few days nestled into the corner of a busy New York street in the Upper East Side that was littered with cafes, bars and restaurants and only a few blocks over from Central Park.
We were greeted by our fabulous "Austin Powers" style host called Robert (in the picture with me), who owned the apartment we were staying in, and after showing us our room (decorated with barn year animal prints and wallpaper?) we were treated to a gorgeous view of the city from the building's rooftop.
Robert then proceeded to guide us to the nearest restaurant, one of his favourites, called Tiramasu, which was as authentically Italian as they come. Located right around the corner from the apartment building, we were tucked into the corner of the restaurant where we enjoyed pasta and wine while taking in the hustle, bustle of the NY Summer scenes before us. Did I mention how hideously humid it was?
Refreshed from lunch, Dave and I parted ways with Robert to go and explore the city. Taking the subway all the way down to the Financial District on the water's edge, I felt very much the fish out of water, and loving every second of it. The park at the end of the subway line (that sits on the water) was bursting with activity. Dozens of street vendors crammed along the footpaths selling paintings, water, hot dogs, hats, souveniers, and other wonderous keepsakes. We were tempted to get our portraits done by the street artists, but being the ultimate tourists, we opted for a ferry ride to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty.
Do it once for the experience. Don't try this twice though, Wow. Nearly three hours of lines, security and waiting in the sun made for a VERY long and tedious afternoon, but with the thrill of being in New York, the time floated past as we people watched and took in everything that was happening around us.
Statue of Liberty done, it was back to the apartment to freshen up and then into a cab to hit the meat packing district for some dinner and drinks. Our first stop was to be the 'Buddha Bar' which was a gorgeous venue that was dimly lit but full of ambience. The music was a little loud for talking, but the Japanese cuisine was to die for, and the cocktails were amazing. I'd recommend the Coconut Mojito and Berry Mojve cocktails to start with and the Chicken & Chickpea Dumplings and Chiken Samosas to follow. Then try the Lobster Risotto Three Ways for a main. Wow.
After dining, the Buddha Bar turns into a nightspot for the city's chic crowd and the DJ that plays to you while you eat turns things up a notch for those wanting to party. After a few drinks post meal, we moved on to see what else the district had to offer.
As far removed from Buddha Bar as you can imagine is a place called Gaslight. We stumbled across it and stopped in for a quick drink that turned into shooters, beers, vodka and more. We'll blame the Irish guys we met there for sending us wayward. We couldn't understand them so we just drank. And drank some more. To explain this bar, think late 90s R&B, raunchy dancing, hilarious pick up moves and a flash back to a time that has slipped into many of our pasts. At least we were safe at the bar!
Around 2am we thought it was time to call it quits, and we retreated back to the apartment building where we were staying. I think it was around the time we were at the door, that we realised Dave had forgotten the keys inside the building. Our gracious host was fast asleep inside and we were officially locked out. This is how we came to sleep on the roof. Or attempt to. And this is how we saw the beautiful sunrise over New York City. Thank god it was Summer.
As far removed from Buddha Bar as you can imagine is a place called Gaslight. We stumbled across it and stopped in for a quick drink that turned into shooters, beers, vodka and more. We'll blame the Irish guys we met there for sending us wayward. We couldn't understand them so we just drank. And drank some more. To explain this bar, think late 90s R&B, raunchy dancing, hilarious pick up moves and a flash back to a time that has slipped into many of our pasts. At least we were safe at the bar!
Around 2am we thought it was time to call it quits, and we retreated back to the apartment building where we were staying. I think it was around the time we were at the door, that we realised Dave had forgotten the keys inside the building. Our gracious host was fast asleep inside and we were officially locked out. This is how we came to sleep on the roof. Or attempt to. And this is how we saw the beautiful sunrise over New York City. Thank god it was Summer.
No comments:
Post a Comment